The Black Knight Shield is one of the best medium shields in the game. It boasts high base stability and impressive Fire absorption, allowing players to shrug off fire attacks with minimal stamina cost. Fully upgraded, its stability rivals that of greatshields, making it the best medium shield for blocking physical attacks. Finally, its skill allows for the use of the weapon art of the right-hand weapon, giving players a higher degree of flexibility in their moveset.

However, it is also the heaviest medium shield in the game, requiring at least some investment in Vitality, as well as a respectable amount of Strength in order to wield effectively. Its elemental resistances are relatively average for a medium shield, absorbing comparatively little damage from attacks that do not deal physical or fire damage. Therefore, while the Black Knight Shield is very strong against physical threats and enemies that deal Fire damage, it is not highly effective against other elements.